Monday, February 12, 2018

A Collection of Kisses + a Giveaway!

Today we have a treat for Valentines! Author Robin Bayne is here celebrating the release of her novel, Hearts on the Harbor.

One lucky commenter will win a free ebook copy of the entire Cooking Up Kisses collection! Just answer the question in the Rafflecopter link below...Thank you, Robin!

Here is a short exerpt:
Chapter One

“Don’t look now, Car, but your ex is here.”

Cara Peyton stiffened in her seat.
Jackson? Here? Why?A shiver ran through
her as she willed her head not to swivel. Around her the clink of silverware
and diners chatting faded into the background.

“He’s really hot,” Jill observed,
leaning forward over her iced tea. “Hotter, really. He looks more like a man
now than a teenager. How long has it been?”

Cara didn’t need to think. “Seven
and half years. Seven and three quarters, actually.”

“Wow.” Jill turned her chair
slightly. “Doesn’t look like he’s with anyone. Female, that is. Doesn’t he have
a brother?”

“Yes, a younger one. Why?”

“The guy with him looks like him.
You know, I should go over and—"

“Please don’t make a scene.” Cara gripped her
water glass, the beads of water pooling on it cooled her palms. It had taken
years to get over Jack, if she ever really had. She couldn’t get emotional now.
She gazed out the wall length windows onto the cobblestone street. A white van
marked “Charm City Cabinetry” partially blocked her view of the harbor. A
little Christian fish magnet, slightly crooked, was stuck to its side door. She
sighed.

“Don’t freak out, I won’t do
anything.” Jill picked up her tuna sandwich. “So how late do you need me to
stick around tonight? I have a date.”

“Oh you do? Who with?” Cara took a
bite of her Caesar salad and half listened to her partner’s description of some
guy she’d just met.

The other half of her attention was
focused on not looking at the table
behind them, not listening for any whisper of the voice she remembered. What
would Jackson be like now? Would he be married? She knew he’d be childless,
either way. Didn’t want kids. Did he regret, or even remember, leaving her like
that? It has all been about his music.Did he remember the last time they’d been together? Did he—

“Just that your mind is full of
Jackson Bridger right now. I get it.” Jill sighed and brushed the crumbs from
her sandwich onto the floor, regarding Cara with the smug smile of a friend who
knew too much.

“Can I get you ladies anything
else?” Tom their waiter flashed a smile and presented a coffee carafe.

“Just the check,” Cara said.
“Thanks. We have to get back to work.”

“Nice working right next door,
huh?” Tom grinned before bowing his head to total the check.

Cara stood, prepared to head for
the ladies room so she could finally see if it really was Jack.

“Don’t move,” Jill hissed. “He’s
coming over.”

“No.” Cara’s pulse raced and her
hand shook as she grabbed her purse.

“Oh, yes.”

Silence followed for several long
seconds, three, four. . .

“Hey, Jill. Cara.” Jackson’s deep
voice held confidence and a bit of amusement.

She finally let herself turn to
find her former boyfriend towering over her. His wavy brown hair was cut short
now, his face as lean but a bit more weathered than she remembered. Reminding
herself to breath, she forced a smile. “Jack, hey, you’re looking good.” She
sent up mental thanks that her voice didn’t quiver. “You too, Luke,” she said
to the other man who joined them.

“Hi Cara.” Luke glanced at his
brother, probably wondering why Jack just stood there staring. Luke leaned
forward and gave her a loose hug.

“How are you, Luke? What are you up
to these days? It’s been a couple years since we e-mailed.” Cara turned to face
Luke, but still felt Jackson’s gaze on her.

“Great, thanks. Got a job with an
insurance company, have a girlfriend. We go to the same church. Getting ready
for the holidays. Life is good. What are you doing? You look fantastic, by the
way.” With that he elbow-jabbed his brother in the gut.

Cara felt her face warming. “Thank
you. And I’m happy you’re doing well.” She turned back to Jackson, who glared
at his brother now. “And how about you? It’s been a long time.”

“Seven years, nine months,” he said
without hesitation.

Cara’s jaw dropped, and she forced
her mouth closed. She had been unsure if he’d even acknowledge her. A twinge of
anger ran through her. Why was she feeling this way, like a schoolgirl getting
a glimpse of a forbidden love? He’d been the one who left. To get famous.

“Why don’t you guys join us for a
minute? I could order us coffee.” Jill spoke up in a chipper voice, obviously
enjoying the awkward show. Before Cara knew what was happening, the men had
slid into chairs across from them.

Tom told them to take their time,
no one was waiting for the table, and he’d bring four coffees.

“We only have a few minutes,” Cara
told him. “I have to be back at work for an appointment at one-thirty.” Tom
nodded and headed for another table.

“So,” Jack began, his voice a
caress. “Cara. How have you been?”

Cara’s tongue felt swollen, and
suddenly, she had no idea how she was.